Gentene Named Next MMS Principal

Today, Mason City Schools Deputy Superintendent Jonathan Cooper announced the selection of Lauren Gentene as the next principal of Mason Middle School.

“Ms. Gentene is humble, hungry and smart - a very thoughtful and reflective leader who is also a relentless learner,” Cooper said. “We had a lot of very strong candidates for the position, and a great process that included input from teachers, parents, and community members. We are excited to watch what is next for our MMS Comets with Ms. Gentene leading the team.”Gentene replaces Tonya McCall, who after 18 years of leading the charge of “Every Kid, Every Day” for Mason’s seventh and eighth graders will now be heading the district’s human resources department as Chief Talent Officer.

“I have such deep reverence for the work that has been done already and for Mrs. McCall’s leadership, which has consistently been characterized by her integrity and being student-centered. I’m thrilled to step into this role, sharing the vision of ‘Every Kid, Every Day,’ with so many exciting changes and opportunities ahead. It’s truly an honor to serve Mason Middle School,” said Gentene.

Next year will be a year of transition at Mason Middle School. As part of the district’s Facilities Master Plan, MMS will undergo a complete renovation and the district’s seventh and eighth graders will temporarily attend school in the MMS section of Mason Intermediate School and the MMS section of Mason High School. The remodeled MMS will feature keyless entryways that improve the ability to monitor visitor access, new surveillance cameras to enhance school safety, a new HVAC system that improves energy efficiency, a modernized cafeteria, updated learning spaces, and a new roof and lighting.

“It is so important that even as we have our eighth graders and staff split into two locations, that we keep a shared vision that focuses on ensuring that our students’ and families’ have a great school year,” explained Gentene. “Next year will be our “vacation home” year with classes in both Mason Intermediate and Mason High School. And while everyone loves the excitement of vacation homes, we’ll be even more excited to be “home” together in the 2019-20 school year - especially since the “home” we’ll be coming back to will have many safety and learning improvements!”A Mason High School graduate, Gentene began her career teaching English at Indian Hill High School and Mason High School, and was the girls basketball varsity head coach at Clark Montessori High School. She spent the last three years as a Mason Middle School Assistant Principal.

During her time at MMS, she helped plan and facilitate instructional leadership coaching sessions for district administrators as part of the District Instructional Leadership Team, designed and implemented the building-wide “MMS Passional Projects” for Personalized Learning days which had 100 percent participation from all MMS students, and fostered community partnerships with area leaders to offer alternative discipline practices to cultivate empathy and maximize behavioral learning opportunities for students,

“I absolutely love working with middle school students, and our staff inspires me every day with their passion, ingenuity, and empathy. I’m humbled to serve our teachers, students, and their families,” Gentene said.

The Mason City Schools Board of Education anticipates approving Gentene at its April 24 meeting.The Mason City School District is conducting its search for a new Mason High School Principal, and will also begin the search for a new Mason Middle School Assistant Principal. Learn more about openings in the Mason City School District.